[hablyShappY]

I posted a question a few days ago about books I have been reading from Geshe Kelsang Gyatso founder of the New Kadampa Tradition.

I have read 2 of his books and had purchased a third called "Eight Steps to Happiness", I have been under the impression that (even though some of the ideas in his books caused me a little concern) his books seemed like a good place to start.

Now I'm finding Buddhist websites that call his movement a cult...I mean, for real???

this is my introduction to Buddhism?? maybe I should have converted to Mormonism lol

Here is a quote from one of the websites

"New Kadam Tradition (Kadampa Buddhism) is an U.K. based Gelug organization. Ven. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso is being expelled from Sera Monastery, due to his baseless remarks on His Holiness the Dalai Lama over the Internet. Ignoring the heartfelt advice of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and His Eminence Ganden Tri Rinpoche regarding the Dolgyal practice, Geshe-la had ordered his centres to remove the photographs of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. No books should be studied in his centres unless those which are written by himself or approved by himself. All of these books are published by Tharpa Publications."

There are other statements...easy to find if you Google "New Kadampa Tradition Cult"

To some, it may sound like an easy solution, so to avoid being jumped on with the obvious advice of choose another tradition...I am so sick of cults...looking into Buddhism was/is my last attempt at seeking a higher truth and I am 100% lost, who on earth can I turn to without the fear of being infected by the damaging effects and methods of yet another crazy group with yet another crazy man playing the great "I am" (if in fact these allegations are based in fact)

Please forgive my tone, I'm just so tired and I thought I found something good

[Erunsenef]

Well Stevie mate,

You could always try some good old Theravada or Zen there doesn't seem to be the lineage disputes and the like - alternatively the FPMT is a very reputable Tibetan group.

The NKT does have a bit of a dodgy rep - how much is true I don't know as I have never been involved with them - but an ex-member told me that if you do get involved make sure the door is open behind you.

The Buddhist path is worth walking Stevie but like any thing you have to keep your eyes open but trust me the peace that begins to form after a while is well worth it.

[vNZsk39B]

Hi Stevie,

It is for this very reason, together with other disputes within Vajrayana Buddhism such as the Two Karmapas issue, for example, that we have the following request clearly stated in the Code of Conduct at this website :


13. Members are requested to avoid posting discussions or media items concerning controversial practices, traditions and disputes within Vajrayana Buddhism as these issues can lead to deep divisions between online sangha.
This avoids the possibility of squabbles amongst students from opposing 'sides' in these issues which affected 2 or 3 internet Buddhist groups in the past and seemed to drive most of the other members away.

Thanks.


Sorry I can't really help any further than that. I'm also no longer a Vajrayana practitioner myself, I changed to the Theravada Forest Tradition a couple of years or so ago.

with kind wishes,

Aloka

[klubneras]

Ya know stevie,

I like tape recorders. Why?
Because when I am done with side A, I can flip over to side B and listen to their story...

Remember the story of Joan of Arc? They burned her alive as a heretic didn't they? And centuries later reinstate her as a saint...

And my point is? Back to the tape recorder thingy....
My focus has always been on Dharma, not drama...

Good luck in your investigation...

P.S I am no Tibetan Buddhist...only someone who has seen his own share of people and politics in his own tradition...on/offline

[NarunapyCalry]

Hi Stevie,

Just some thoughts... rites, rituals, religions and cults have never been something that appeals. Fortunately I could find the teachings of Buddha.

Their scientific approach to the understanding of Dukkha and its cessation its outstanding.

There is no need to get enmeshed with further elaborations.

There is no need for a cult, a religion, a blind believe, a metaphysical elaboration, a speculation, a rite or a ritual to watch the mind, to meditate, and to understand how it craves and clings, leading to suffering.

I recommend to try first some of this Books-to-read.

[DoctorBretonDen]

Hi again Stevie,

You said in a previous thread in the Beginners forum:

Having read these forums, I feel confidence in the advice that I am receiving here...at this stage, I am not attached (pardon the word attached haha) to any tradition (yet) and would prefer to receive impartial and unbiased answers from a group of people from varied traditions and experiences.

So hopefully you will still be happy to continue to ask questions about the Buddha's teachings which don't involve the controversies mentioned in the Code of Conduct -which you agreed to when you first joined the group.

I'm sure you'll find lots of different opinions elsewhere on the internet.

I'm closing this thread now.

with many good wishes to you and looking forward to reading your posts in other topics.

Aloka